Dorfmanite is a rare phosphate mineral typically found in hyperagpaitic rocks within alkaline igneous complexes. It usually occurs as fragile, colorless to white tabular crystals that are highly sensitive to humidity and can dehydrate if stored improperly.
Is this dorfmanite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch dorfmanite with a known reference. Dorfmanite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dorfmanite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Dorfmanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radiating aggregates.
Often confused with
Dorfmanite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside dorfmanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with dorfmanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂HPO₄·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 1.74 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Radiating Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find dorfmanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous pegmatites country — that is the host setting where dorfmanite typically forms. If you start seeing apatite, natrolite, sodalite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find dorfmanite on the map
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